Computer tote

ABSTRACT

A computer tote, such as, for example, a portfolio, case or bag, is provided having a receptacle defining an internal space to receive a computer device. The receptacle includes opposing sides connected by a spine. The computer tote further includes a handle coupled to one of the opposing sides of the receptacle near the spine. The handle is sized and positioned to overlie a back of a user&#39;s hand when the hand is received between the handle and the receptacle and fingers of the hand are wrapped around the spine.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/503,944, filed Jul. 1, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure is related to totes, such as portfolios, bags and cases, for carrying or accommodating computer devices.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is common for computer users to carry portable computer devices, such as laptops and tablet computers, from one location to another. Often to protect the computer device and facilitate ease of transport, the computer device (and optionally computer accessories) are stored or secured in a tote, such as, for example, a laptop case. A conventional laptop case 10 is shown in FIG. 1. The case 10 includes a handle 12 located on the topside thereof for carrying the case in a straight-armed manner by one's side and an adjustable shoulder strap 14 for alternatively carrying the case over one's shoulder. Other known totes include backpacks that feature two parallel shoulder straps for carrying objects on one's back.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The computer totes and methods of using the same described herein provide for carrying a computer device in a secure and convenient manner in a compact form factor. The computer totes are particularly well suited for conveniently tucking computer devices against one's forearm during transport.

According to one embodiment, a computer tote may be summarized as including: a receptacle defining an internal space to receive a computer device, the receptacle including opposing sides connected by a spine; and a handle coupled to one of the opposing sides of the receptacle near the spine, the handle sized and positioned to overlie a back of a user's hand when the hand is received between the handle and the receptacle and fingers of the hand are wrapped around the spine.

The computer tote may be configured to move between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. The handle may be positioned substantially flat against the receptacle when in the stowed configuration and a central portion of the handle may be positioned offset from the receptacle when in the deployed configuration. The length of the handle may increase as the handle moves from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration. For instance, at least one of opposing ends of the handle may include an elastic portion to enable the handle to elongate when moving from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration. A portion of the externally visible handle in the deployed configuration may be concealed behind a section of the receptacle when the handle is in the stowed configuration. A centerline defined by an average width of the handle may be offset from the spine by at least one-half inch and by no more than three inches. In other embodiments, the centerline may be offset from the spine by at least one inch and by no more than two inches. The handle may be positioned in an area defined by a lower one-third or one-quarter of the receptacle. The handle may be positioned approximately at a center of a length of the receptacle such that the computer tote is substantially balanced fore and aft when grasped by the user via the handle and spine.

The receptacle may be a portfolio configured to receive a tablet or other computer device between opposing sides thereof. The portfolio may open in a book-like manner and include a panel elastically coupled to an inner side thereof to receive a portion of a user's hand when the portfolio is fully opened with opposing sides thereof face-to-face. The panel may include at least one stop to selectively position an opposing inner side of the portfolio in an inclined orientation. The receptacle may be a case or bag configured to receive a tablet or laptop computer between opposing sides thereof. An end of the case or bag opposite the spine may be configured to selectively open and close.

According to another embodiment, a computer tote may be summarized as including: a receptacle defining an internal space to receive a computer device, the receptacle including opposing sides connected by a spine; a closure mechanism to keep the receptacle closed when in a transport configuration and enabling access to the internal space to retrieve the computer device when in a retrieval configuration; and a handle coupled to one of the opposing sides of the receptacle proximate the spine, the handle sized and positioned to overlie a back of a user's hand when the hand is received between the handle and the receptacle and fingers of the hand are grasped around the spine.

According to one embodiment, a method of using a computer tote may be summarized as including: positioning fingers of a hand between a handle and a receptacle of the computer tote, the receptacle including opposing sides connected by a spine and defining an internal space to receive a computer device, the handle coupled to one of the opposing sides of the receptacle proximate the spine; moving the fingers around the spine; and grasping the spine while the hand is positioned between the handle and the receptacle. Grasping the spine may include drawing the receptacle towards a forearm supporting the hand. Grasping the spine may include grasping the spine with a majority of the handle overlying a back of the hand between knuckles at the base of the fingers and a wrist of the hand. Positioning fingers of the hand between the handle and the receptacle of the computer tote and moving the fingers around the spine may include elongating the handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional laptop case, according to the prior art.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a case, according to one embodiment, shown grasped by a user for transport.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a case, according to another embodiment, shown grasped by a user for transport.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a portfolio, according to one embodiment, shown grasped by a user for transport.

FIG. 5 is a partial detail view of the portfolio of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the portfolio of FIG. 4 shown in an open configuration.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the portfolio of FIG. 4 shown in an inclined viewing configuration.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the portfolio of FIG. 4 shown with opposing sides of the portfolio in a face-to-face configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and manufacturing techniques associated with computer totes may not be shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is as “including, but not limited to.”

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

FIG. 2 shows a tote, according to one embodiment, in the form of a case 20 for carrying a laptop or other computer device therein. The case 20 is configured to be carried alongside a user's forearm 22 as the user grasps the case 20 with one hand 24. More particularly, the user may wrap his or her fingers 26 around a spine 30 of the case leaving the thumb 28 behind. A handle 32 is coupled to a side 33 of the case 20 near the spine 30 for receiving the user's hand 24 while it grasps the case 20. The handle 32 is sized and positioned with respect to the spine 30 such that the handle 32 overlies a back of the user's hand 24 when the hand 24 is received between the handle 32 and the side 33 of the case 20. In this position, the user may grasp the spine 30 and flex or rotate his or her wrist inwardly to tuck the case firmly against the user's forearm 22. When grasped in this manner, the case 20 provides a particularly stable and convenient way to carry a computer device received therein.

The handle 32 may be formed of a length of material which extends across the entirety of the side 33 of the case 20. Opposing ends 36 of the material may be integrally connected to the case 20 via stitching 38, adhesive and/or other attachment mechanisms. A central portion of the handle 32 is configured to move away from the case 20 to receive the user's hand during use. In this illustrated embodiment, the length of the handle 32 is fixed and sized such that an average adult hand may fit snugly between the handle 32 and the side 33 of the case 20 with the user's thumb 28 straddling the handle 32.

The case 20 generally defines a receptacle for receiving a computer device, such as, for example, a laptop or notebook computer. In order to receive the computer device, the case 20 may include an opening opposite the spine 30 on a topside 40 of the case 20. The opening may be closable via a zipper mechanism 42, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, clasp, buckles, magnets or other fasteners. In other words, a closure mechanism may be provided to keep the receptacle closed when in a transport configuration and enable access to the internal space to retrieve the computer device when in a retrieval configuration. The case 20 may also include a flap or other features to conceal the opening when transporting or storing the computer device in the case 20.

FIG. 3 shows a tote, according to another embodiment, in the form of a case 120 for carrying a laptop or other computer device therein. Similar to the previously described embodiment, the case 120 is configured to be carried alongside the user's forearm 22 as the user grasps the case 120 with one hand 24. More particularly, the user may wrap his or her fingers 26 around a spine 130 of the case 120 leaving the thumb 28 behind. A handle 132 is coupled to a side 133 of the case 120 near the spine 130 for receiving the user's hand 24 while it grasps the case 120. The handle 132 is sized and positioned with respect to the spine 130 such that the handle 132 overlies a back of the user's hand 24 when the hand 24 is received between the handle 132 and the side 133 of the case 120. The handle 132 is preferably elongated and extends at least a width of an average adult's hand.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, opposing ends 136 of the handle 132 are positioned within respective openings 138 in the side 133 of the case 120 and secured to the case 130 in a manner that is concealed from view. The ends 136 of the handle 132 may be rigidly secured to the case 120 such that the handle 132 has a fixed length, or alternatively, may be flexibly secured to the case 120 such that the handle 132 can extend elastically from the case 120 during use. For example, in some embodiments, the opposing ends 136 of the handle 132 may be secured to the case 120 with elastic elements (not shown) such that the handle 132 can extend away from the case 120 when receiving the user's hand 24 and retract back toward the case 120 when the hand 24 is withdrawn from between the handle 132 and the side 133 of the case 120.

FIGS. 4 through 8 show a tote, according to another embodiment, in the form of a portfolio 220 for carrying a tablet computer 270 (FIGS. 6 and 7) or other computer device therein. As best shown in FIG. 4, the portfolio 220 is configured to be carried alongside the user's forearm 22 as the user grasps the portfolio 220 with one hand 24. More particularly, the user may wrap his or her fingers 26 around a spine 230 of the portfolio 220 leaving the thumb 28 behind. A handle 232 is coupled to a side 233 of the portfolio 220 near the spine 230 for receiving the user's hand 24 while it grasps the portfolio 220. The handle 232 is sized and positioned with respect to the spine 230 such that the handle 232 overlies a back of the user's hand 24 when the hand 24 is received between the handle 232 and the side 233 of the portfolio 220. The handle 232 is preferably elongated and extends at least a width of an average adult's hand.

The handle 230 is coupled to the side 233 of the portfolio 220 near the spine 230. In some embodiments, a centerline 250 defined by an average width 252 of the handle 232 is offset from the spine 230 by at least one-half inch and by no more than three inches. In some embodiments, the centerline 250 may be offset from the spine 230 by at least one inch and by no more than two inches. In some embodiments, the handle 232 may be positioned entirely within an area defined by a lower one-third of the side 233 of the portfolio 220. In other embodiments, the handle 232 may be positioned entirely within an area defined by a lower one-quarter of the side 233 of the portfolio 220. In some embodiments, the handle 232 may be positioned approximately at a center of a length of the portfolio 220, as shown, for example, in FIG. 4, such that the portfolio 220 is substantially balanced fore and aft when grasped by the user via the handle 232 and spine 230.

As shown in FIG. 5, opposing ends 238 of the handle 232 may be positioned within respective openings 234 in the side 233 of the portfolio 220 and secured to the portfolio 220 in a manner that is concealed from view. In some embodiments, the handle 232 may include elastic portions 236 secured to the portfolio 220 with stitching or other fastening mechanisms within an interior region of the portfolio 220 hidden from view. In this manner, a length 254 of the handle 232 which is visible to the user may elongate as the user's hand 24 is inserted between the handle 232 and the side of the portfolio 220 and as his or her fingers 26 are wrapped around the spine 230.

The handle 232 may be configured to move between a stowed configuration in which the handle 232 is positioned substantially flat against the side 233 of the portfolio 220 and a deployed configuration in which a central portion of the handle 232 is positioned offset from a side 233 of the portfolio 220. In some embodiments, the length 254 of the handle 232 which is visible to the user may change by one-half inch or more as the handle 232 transitions from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration. In some embodiments, a central portion of the handle 232 may be offset from the side 233 of the portfolio 220 by an inch or more when the handle 232 is in the deployed configuration. In some embodiments, a majority of the handle 232 may overlie a back of the hand 24 between knuckles at the base of the fingers 26 and a wrist of the hand 24 when the handle 232 is in the deployed configuration. In some embodiments, the handle 232 may be located entirely within an outer profile of the side 233 of the portfolio 220 irrespective of whether the handle 232 is in the stowed configuration or the deployed configuration. The handle 232 may be substantially flat to lie closely against the side 233 of the portfolio 220 when in the stowed configuration. Alternatively, the handle 232 may have a generally elliptical or circular cross-sectional shape. The cross-section of the handle 232 may vary in size and shape along a length thereof.

The portfolio 220 defines a receptacle for receiving a tablet computer 270 (FIGS. 6 and 7) or other computer device. In a transport configuration, a topside 240 of the portfolio 220 that is opposite the spine 230 may be held closed with one or more fastening devices to retain the tablet computer 270 securely therein. For instance, in one embodiment, elastic bands 242 may be attached to a back side of the portfolio 220 and selectively wrapped around corners of the front side 233 of the portfolio 220 to hold the portfolio 220 in a closed configuration. In other embodiments, the portfolio 220 may include a zipper mechanism, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, clasps, buckles, magnets or other fasteners for holding the portfolio 220 closed during transport.

The portfolio 220 can open in a book-like manner about the spine 230 to reveal the tablet computer 270. FIG. 6 shows the portfolio 220 in an opened, substantially planar configuration in which opposing inside portions 256, 258 of the portfolio 220 are positioned side-by-side with topside edges 240 a and 240 b separated from each other.

In some embodiments, an inside portion 256 of the portfolio 220 may include features for supporting the tablet computer 270 in one or more viewing orientations. For example, an inside portion 256 of the portfolio 220 may include one or more stops 264 positioned to selectively receive and position an opposing inside portion 258 of the portfolio 220 housing the tablet computer 270 in an inclined orientation. FIG. 7 illustrates the portfolio 220 with the tablet computer 270 in an inclined configuration.

The portfolio 220 can also open until opposing sides of the portfolio 220 are face-to-face, as shown in FIG. 8. In this face-to-face configuration, the inside portion 256 becomes a back of the portfolio 220. The inside portion 256 may include a panel 260 elastically coupled thereto such that the user can selectively slide his or her fingers 26 between the panel 260 and the remainder of the portfolio 220 to securely hold the portfolio 220 in a portrait or landscape viewing orientation. For example, the panel 260 may be coupled to the inside portion by elastic material 262. Embodiments including such an elastically displaceable panel 260 provide an exceptionally versatile tote for carrying and accommodating a tablet computer 270.

Further details of using the totes described herein will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. As can be appreciated from these figures, each of the totes 20, 120, 220 can be securely carried by positioning fingers 26 of one's hand 24 between the handle 32, 132, 232 and a receptacle of the computer tote 20, 120, 220, moving one's fingers 26 around the spine 30, 130, 230 and grasping the spine 30, 130, 230 while the hand 24 is positioned between the handle 32, 132, 232 and the remainder of the computer tote 20, 120, 220. In this grasped configuration, the handle 32, 132, 232 overlies a portion of the back of the hand 24 to assist in keeping the hand 24 secured to the tote 20, 120, 220. In some embodiments, the handle 32, 132, 232 may provide sufficient frictional resistance to carry the tote 20, 120, 220 even while one's fingers are not grasping the spine 30, 130, 230, but are instead relaxed or extended toward the ground. To further secure the tote 20, 120, 220, a user may optionally draw the tote towards his or her forearm by turning his or her wrist slightly inward.

Although the totes 20, 120, 220 of the illustrated embodiments shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are shown as including only a single handle on one side thereof, it is appreciated that the various totes described herein may include a handle on each of opposing sides of the tote near the spine. In this manner, the totes 20, 120, 220 can be grasped and carried by either side.

Moreover, the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure. 

1. A computer tote, comprising: a receptacle defining an internal space to receive a computer device, the receptacle including opposing sides connected by a spine; and a handle coupled to one of the opposing sides of the receptacle near the spine, the handle sized and positioned to overlie a back of a user's hand when the hand is received between the handle and the receptacle and fingers of the hand are wrapped around the spine.
 2. The computer tote of claim 1 wherein the handle is configured to move between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, the handle positioned substantially flat against the receptacle when in the stowed configuration, and a central portion of the handle positioned offset from the receptacle when in the deployed configuration.
 3. The computer tote of claim 1 wherein the handle is configured to move between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, the length of the handle increasing as the handle moves from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration.
 4. The computer tote of claim 1 wherein at least one of opposing ends of the handle includes an elastic portion to enable the handle to elongate when moving from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration.
 5. The computer tote of claim 1 wherein a portion of the externally visible handle in the deployed configuration is concealed behind a section of the receptacle when the handle is in the stowed configuration.
 6. The computer tote of claim 1 wherein a centerline defined by an average width of the handle is offset from the spine by at least one-half inch and by no more than three inches.
 7. The computer tote of claim 1 wherein the handle is positioned in an area defined by a lower one-third of the receptacle.
 8. The computer tote of claim 1 wherein the handle is positioned in an area defined by a lower one-quarter of the receptacle.
 9. The computer tote of claim 1 wherein the handle is positioned approximately at a center of a length of the receptacle such that the computer tote is substantially balanced fore and aft when grasped by the user via the handle and spine.
 10. The computer tote of claim 1 wherein the receptacle is a portfolio configured to receive a tablet or laptop computer between the opposing sides thereof.
 11. The computer tote of claim 10 wherein the portfolio opens in a book-like manner, and wherein the portfolio includes a panel elastically coupled to an inner side thereof to receive a portion of a user's hand when the portfolio is fully opened with the opposing sides of the receptacle face-to-face.
 12. The computer tote of claim 11 wherein the panel includes at least one stop to selectively position an opposing inner side of the portfolio in an inclined orientation.
 13. The computer tote of claim 1 wherein the receptacle is a case or bag configured to receive a tablet or laptop computer between the opposing sides thereof.
 14. The computer tote of claim 13 wherein an end of the case or bag opposite the spine is configured to be selectively opened and closed.
 15. A method of using the computer tote of claim 1, the method comprising: positioning fingers of a hand between the handle and the receptacle of the computer tote; moving the fingers around the spine; and grasping the spine while the hand is positioned between the handle and the receptacle.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein grasping the spine includes drawing the receptacle towards a forearm supporting the hand.
 17. The method of claim 15 wherein grasping the spine includes grasping the spine with a majority of the handle overlying a back of the hand between knuckles at the base of the fingers and a wrist of the hand.
 18. The method of claim 15 wherein positioning fingers of a hand between the handle and the receptacle of the computer tote and moving the fingers around the spine includes elongating the handle.
 19. A computer tote, comprising: a receptacle defining an internal space to receive a computer device, the receptacle including opposing sides connected by a spine; a closure mechanism to keep the receptacle closed when in a transport configuration and enabling access to the internal space to retrieve the computer device when in a retrieval configuration; and a handle coupled to one of the opposing sides of the receptacle proximate the spine, the handle sized and positioned to overlie a back of a user's hand when the hand is received between the handle and the receptacle and fingers of the hand are grasped around the spine.
 20. The computer tote of claim 19 wherein the handle is configured to move between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, the handle positioned substantially flat against the receptacle when in the stowed configuration, and a central portion of the handle positioned offset from the receptacle when in the deployed configuration.
 21. The computer tote of claim 19 wherein the receptacle is a portfolio configured to receive a tablet computer between the opposing sides thereof and to open in a book-like manner, and wherein the portfolio includes a panel elastically coupled to an inner side thereof to receive a portion of a user's hand when the portfolio is fully opened with the opposing sides of the receptacle face-to-face.
 22. A method of using a computer tote, the method comprising: positioning fingers of a hand between a handle and a receptacle of the computer tote, the receptacle including opposing sides connected by a spine and defining an internal space to receive a computer device, the handle coupled to one of the opposing sides of the receptacle proximate the spine; moving the fingers around the spine; and grasping the spine while the hand is positioned between the handle and the receptacle.
 23. The method of claim 22 wherein grasping the spine includes drawing the receptacle towards a forearm supporting the hand.
 24. The method of claim 22 wherein grasping the spine includes grasping the spine with a majority of the handle overlying a back of the hand between knuckles at the base of the fingers and a wrist of the hand.
 25. The method of claim 22 wherein positioning fingers of the hand between the handle and the receptacle of the computer tote and moving the fingers around the spine includes elongating the handle. 